Hippopotamus is a thrilling mystery-drama that follows Ruby, an acclaimed writer with a past trauma that has caused her to suffer from writer's block. To help her overcome her writer's block, her publisher has given her an ultimatum to produce a manuscript within a month, or else lose her publisher altogether. Frustrated and trapped, Ruby receives an unusual offer from an anonymous fan. The offer is intriguing - a substantial sum of money to her bank account, in exchange for spending two hours every evening at the stranger's mansion to perform a private reading, with no questions asked.
Ruby accepts the proposal but soon finds herself in a bizarre situation after experiencing a series of strange events in the mansion. The strange occurrences lead the writer to question whether she is dealing with a supernatural force or if there is something more sinister at play.
The movie has a surreal, claustrophobic feel to it, which gives it a sense of tension throughout the story. The story is well-constructed, leaving viewers in suspense, wondering where the plot is heading.
One of the standout performances in this movie is Ingvild Deila, who plays Ruby. Ingvild is undoubtedly a talented actor, delivering a strong portrayal of a writer struggling with her past, along with the fear of losing her means to make a living as a writer. Her character has depth and complexity, making it easy for viewers to empathize with her, and root for her to overcome the challenges thrown at her.
Jonathan Cobb, who plays the mysterious fan, is also impressive. He manages to keep viewers guessing throughout the film, whether he is a savior or the mastermind behind the sinister things happening in his mansion.
The cinematography of the film is also excellent, as it captures the shades of darkness that are evocative of the charactersâ moods. The mansion where the majority of the story takes place is stunningly beautiful and serves as an enchanting backdrop to the story.
The storyline itself has an eerie quality to it, incorporating elements of horror and suspense, leaving viewers breathless with anticipation. The movie begins like excellent suspense thriller but then takes an unexpected turn in the story. The climax, when it arrives, is a tour de force.
Without giving any spoilers, the film's end will leave viewers with lingering questions, making it a conversation starter with fans of psychological thrillers. The movie's open-ended conclusion will entice fans of complex stories that can withstand various interpretations.
Overall, Hippopotamus is an engaging, thought-provoking movie with an unpredictable plot, excellent performances, and beautiful cinematography. It's a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers who love movies that keep them guessing till the very end.
Hippopotamus is a 2020 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.